Tomlin Optimistic About Polamalu & Woodley

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Troy Polamalu left Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs with concussion-like symptoms and did not return.

However, it is looking like he will be able to suit up against the Cincinnati Bengals.

During his weekly press conference, head coach Mike Tomlin said Polamalu has not exhibited any signs of a concussion since the team returned to Pittsburgh.

“Troy hasn’t had any concussion symptoms since we have been back here,” Tomlin said. “All things are positive in terms of his potential participation this week. Obviously we’ll continue to err on the side of caution.”

He still has to undergo a battery of tests in order to be cleared, but Tomlin appeared to be optimistic that Polamalu will play.

“He was asymptomatic relatively quickly and I am talking about Sunday night,” Tomlin said. “If we are going to err, we are going to err on the side of caution when it comes to health, particularly from a head injury standpoint. I have no issue with that. We lean on the expert advice of our medical staff. Troy’s been good. We anticipate it being a non-issue moving forward this week.”

LaMarr Woodley could also be returning to the lineup on Sunday. He has been out with a hamstring injury, but will be looked at throughout the week and could be a game-time decision.

“He appears to be moving toward game readiness,” Tomlin said. “We will watch him throughout the week to solidify that but we like where he is.”

Pittsburgh already has one win over the Cincinnati Bengals this season, but it did not come easy.

Tomlin said they will need to keep an eye on wide receiver Andrew Hawkins. While he is typically lined up as a slot receiver, he can present matchup problems if he is on someone other than a cornerback.

The game could have major playoff implications. Pittsburgh is tied with Baltimore atop the AFC North at 8-3. The Bengals are also in the mix at 7-4.